なくて (nakute)

Meaning & usage

なくて expresses a negative reason or cause, meaning because something did not happen or was not a certain way. It is made by changing the negative ない ending to なくて, as in 来なくて, 高くなくて, and なくて after nouns expressing lack. The なくて clause comes first, followed by the result, feeling, or apology, as in 出せなくてすいません.

Example sentences 7

1. 早はやくメールが出だせなくてすいません。

   I'm sorry I couldn't write to you sooner.

2. 宿題が分からなくて、先生に聞いた。

   I didn't understand the homework, so I asked the teacher.

3. バスが来なくて、学校に遅れた。

   The bus didn't come, so I was late for school.

4. 昨日眠れなくて、今日は疲れた。

   I couldn't sleep last night, so I am tired today.

5. この店は高くなくて、よく来ます。

   This shop is not expensive, so I come here often.

6. 時間がなくて、朝ごはんを食べなかった。

   I had no time, so I didn't eat breakfast.

7. 辞書がなくて、意味が分からなかった。

   I had no dictionary, so I didn't understand the meaning.